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updated 31 Jul 2010, 06:00
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Fri, Jul 30, 2010
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Cool $35m rocks
by Victoria Barker

AT S$35 million a pair, these pear-shaped diamonds are way above the budget of the average Singaporean.

But those into bling can ogle these rare rocks, which weigh 40 carat each, at the Singapore International Jewellery Show (SIJS) which opened yesterday at Marina Bay Sands.

In total, jewellery worth over US$100 million (S$136 million) is being showcased at the four-day show which ends on Sunday.

The exquisite pair of diamonds is on display and is up for sale by Malaysian jeweller DeGem. They have been certified as "D" in colour, which means they are colourless.

A "D" is the highest such grading a gem can be awarded.

They are also "internally flawless" - they do not possess any visible blemishes even when magnified up to 10 times, said DeGem's marketing manager, Ms Au Yeong Siew Pheng.

She said: "In all likelihood, a pair (like this) will be made into earrings. Buyers who are more unconventional may set it as a double-drop pendant."

In its sixth year, the SIJS is organised by Conference Exhibition and Management Services and has 180 exhibitors from 21 countries, including Singapore, Italy and Japan.

It is expected to attract 15,000 people and rake up sales of S$60 million. Last year's show saw 13,000 attendees and S$42 million in sales.

At the event's opening ceremony yesterday, Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, said that Singapore should position itself as a jewellery hub, especially in the light of the positive economic forecast this year.

He said: "Singapore's jewellery sector should take full advantage of the surging wave...and peg on this renewed growth in global demand."

Last year, S$6.6 billion worth of jewellery and precious metals were exported, an increase of about S$500 million from 2008.

"The jewellery sector must (also) raise its competencies to ensure that areas such as internal processes, design and branding, as well as staff training are in place to provide excellent service," Mr Lee said.

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The Singapore Jewellery Show is on until Sunday at Marina Bay Sands' Convention Centre Halls B and C.

Admission is free but visitors are required to register with a photo ID at the venue. It is open today and tomorrow from 11am to 8pm; and on Sunday from 11am to 7pm


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